"Over the past decade Lithuania and Israel became friends and trusted partners. I strongly hope that we will continue our joint efforts to maintain an open dialogue based on mutual understanding and to further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties between our countries," the President wrote in her message of congratulations.
Reuven Rivlin was elected by the Israeli parliament to serve as Israel's 10th president on Tuesday, in a run-off, out of the original five candidates.
Reuven Rivlin (74) in July will succeed the outgoing President Shimon Peres who contributed significantly to close cooperation of the two countries and gave impetus to the qualitatively new stage of relationship.
Born in Jerusalem, Reuven Rivlin is connected with Vilnius - he is a descendant of the prominent student of the Vilna Gaon. Reuven Rivlin has been the Speaker of the Knesset since 2003.
